Injured people, one critically, trapped under a collapsing wall in Roda de Berà

Seven people have been injured after a wall collapsed at the Port of Roda de Berà due to heavy rains, one of them in critical condition. The same night also forced the evacuation of campsites and a nightclub in the region, leaving significant impact in the area.

When the rain doesn’t stop and the water starts to wreak havoc, everyone wonders to what extent this disaster could have been avoided. But here we are not only talking about numbers: there are human stories trapped under the rubble, affected families, and a town that does not remember such a violent episode in 62 years.

Details of the accident at the Port of Roda de Berà

What exactly happened with the wall that gave way?

A retaining wall of a house adjacent to the port collapsed between two and three in the morning due to the pressure of the accumulated water from the intense and sustained rains. Three members of the same family—father, son, and granddaughter—were trapped under the rubble. The father has a broken leg and had to be operated on, while another member is in critical condition. The firefighters took half an hour to arrive and had to remove the rubble to rescue them.

What is the condition of the injured and what medical response was activated?

The critically and seriously injured were transferred to the Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona, where they receive specialized care. The less seriously injured was sent to Santa Tecla. The episode mobilized the Medical Emergency Service (SEM), which provided 35 consultations during the night, highlighting the speed and coordination in high-pressure situations.

Impact of the rains and evacuations in the region

Which other points suffered the most damage from the rains?

Roda de Berà, El Vendrell, Creixell, and Torredembarra are the most affected municipalities. The Arc de Berà campsite was evacuated with more than one hundred people moved to the municipal sports center, while a nightclub in El Vendrell evacuated about a hundred young people to a nearby school. Campers were also rescued from the Sirena Dorada campsite in Creixell.

How was the emergency managed and what measures were taken?

Civil Protection enabled reception centers at the Roda de Berà sports center and at the municipal hall of Creixell. The firefighters attended 192 calls during the night and worked to rescue trapped people and remove obstacles. Additionally, transportation was activated to return campers after the situation improved. All in all, management that demonstrates the necessity of preparing for episodes that are no longer exceptional.

Local assessment and future perspectives

What is the evaluation of the mayors about the situation and climate change?

The mayor of Roda de Berà, Pere Virgili, recalls that in 62 years he had never seen such intense and prolonged rain. Kenneth Martínez, mayor of El Vendrell, describes the night as “very long” and highlights that the maritime strip was overwhelmed. Vale Pino, acting mayor of Torredembarra, speaks of a “new climatic reality” that forces us to be “more alert than ever” to be able to react quickly.

What material consequences has the storm left and what must be done now?

The most visible damages are to street furniture, trapped vehicles, flooded basements, and damage to the beach. Cleaning and damage assessment have begun, but the challenge will be to adapt infrastructures and protocols to the new reality of sustained and more intense rains. The councils are already working to restore normality, but with an eye on the future.

The rains of this past night have left a mark difficult to erase on the coast of Baix Penedès and northern Tarragonès. The victims, the territory, and emergency management remind us that nature does not forgive and that prevention must be a constant priority. Because when water arrives, there is no second chance.

Source of the article: Editorial / Catalan News Agency